A system for automatically returning a flotation device to a user when the user becomes separated from it and is greater than some predetermined distance away. The user may have a tracking device that is operable to determine its location and transmit this information to an automatic recovery unit coupled to the flotation device. The recovery unit may be configured to activate when it is greater than the predetermined distance from the tracking device, and may be operable to propel the flotation device steering it toward the tracking device to close the distance between them.

A command and control bar for a kite sail associated with two front cables connected to a user and two rear cables connected to the bar. The cables are connected at one end to the sail. An adjustment element to shorten/extend the rear cables is incorporated into the bar and can be controlled by the user without releasing the bar. A deflection system can be displaced parallel to the axis of the bar and is connected to a return element. The bar includes a locking element to lock/release the position of the deflection system along the bar, depending on the traction forces applied on the cables. The locking element is accessible to the user from outside the bar.

A hand-held wing rig includes an inflatable front tube forming a leading edge and a rigid or inflatable center strut which together span a canopy. A radially projecting spoiler profile is formed approximately in the lower region of the leading edge. In use, the spoiler profile is tangentially flowed against, facing a user. Further disclosed is a kite including a spoiler profile formed approximately in the lower region of the leading edge, which is tangentially flowed against.

A hand-held wing rig includes an inflatable front tube forming a leading edge and a rigid or inflatable center strut which together span a canopy. A radially projecting spoiler profile is formed approximately in the lower region of the leading edge. In use, the spoiler profile is tangentially flowed against, facing a user. Further disclosed is a kite including a spoiler profile formed approximately in the lower region of the leading edge, which is tangentially flowed against.

A control arrangement (1) for a kite (6) is attached to a boat (2). Without any external control or energy input the control arrangement (1) automatically tracks the movement of the kite (6) as the kite (6) moves relative to the boat (2). The control arrangement (1) ensures that the kite (6) flies so that the line of action (15) of the kite (6) always extends through the centre of lateral resistance (14) of the boat (2). This enables the kite (6) to pull the boat (2) without applying any heeling moment to the boat (2).

An illumination system for a kiteboarding kite that senses the position and orientation of the kite with respect to a rider and directs a beam of light at the rider's path. The illumination system is battery powered and mounted to a kiteboarding kite with an inflated leading edge. A processor executed program analyzes data from several sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers, in order to quickly adjust the direction of a spotlight and avoid shining light into the rider's eyes. In addition, the illumination system may also illuminate the rider directly or areas of the kite.

A kite rigging control apparatus and method of use. A hand-actuated bailout trigger and optional depower handle is incorporated into the rigging of the traction kite. Should the kite begin to overpower the kiter, the kiter may immediately and easily depower the kite or readily activate the bailout trigger which immediately ceases the pull of the kite. The kiter may then safely recover the kite.

A kite rigging control apparatus and method of use. A hand-actuated bailout trigger and optional depower handle is incorporated into the rigging of the traction kite. Should the kite begin to overpower the kiter, the kiter may immediately and easily depower the kite or readily activate the bailout trigger which immediately ceases the pull of the kite. The kiter may then safely recover the kite.

This invention concerns a line reeling device for reeling front and back lines of a kite. The device includes a reeling mechanism comprising a first reel and a second reel which are located in an enclosure and on which the front and back lines are, in use, wound respectively. The reels are arranged so that their rotation in one direction retracts the lines and their rotation in the other direction deploys the lines. The reeling mechanism further includes reel connecting means which is operable to cause the reels to rotate in harmony in one configuration and rotate independently in another configuration. The reeling mechanism also has a braking mechanism for controlling rotation of the reels and a control mechanism which is in connection with the braking mechanism. The control mechanism is operable between a first, locked position wherein rotation of the reels is obstructed and a second, released position wherein rotation of the reels is allowed.

A kite includes a frame including a leading edge support and a plurality of struts extending rearward from the leading edge support, a flexible main canopy attached to the frame and at least one flexible kite sizing section adjustably attached to the flexible main canopy. The at least one flexible kite sizing section is adjustable to change an area of the kite, including an area of at least a first wing tip section of the kite.